COPD Awareness Month: Recent updates in treatment, management

During the month of November, clinicians, lung organizations and patients with COPD come together every year to spread awareness of COPD and its symptoms.

According to the COPD Foundation, COPD is the third-leading cause of death worldwide, yet many individuals do not know about the symptoms associated with the disease, what puts them at risk for COPD or how to manage it.

This month-long recognition of COPD allows for chances to educate the public and encourage early diagnosis, according to a press release from the foundation.

Notably, one effort launched in accordance with this month is the American Lung Association’s “COPD for Life” campaign, which promises to help those who have suffered with COPD for 10 years or longer “live a more active and enjoyable life.”

In recognition of COPD Awareness Month, the Healio editors have compiled recent news on COPD.

Benralizumab lowers COPD exacerbations in asthma, COPD at 1 year

Benralizumab (Fasenra, AstraZeneca) lowered the rate of COPD exacerbations among patients with asthma and COPD after 1 year, according to a poster presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting. Read more.

Hyperinflation, COPD screening, smoking cessation among changes in 2024 GOLD report

To reflect advances in COPD diagnosis and treatment, the 2024 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease report features both new and revised sections. Read more.

Patients with asthma, COPD, ILD have reduced COVID vaccine protection

Patients with asthma, COPD and interstitial lung disease have reduced SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-specific antibody, B-cell and T-cell responses, which signals poorer protection against COVID-19, according to results published in ERJ Open Research. Read more

COPD exacerbations heighten risk for severe cardiovascular events, death across countries

Across four countries, the risk for a severe cardiovascular event or death was high 1 to 6 months after a moderate COPD exacerbation, according to a poster presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. Read more.

Cell therapy shows promise for improving gas exchange in COPD, may offer potential cure

Patients with COPD who underwent autologous transplantation of lung progenitor cells had improved gas exchange capacity, quality of life and walking distance, according to study results. Also, Gerard J. Criner, MD, FACP, FACCP, offers his perspective. Read more.

Depression common among older adults with COPD during COVID-19 pandemic

More than 50% of older adults with COPD and a history of depression screened positive for depression in autumn 2020 of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to results published in International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Read more.

COPD clinic aims to reduce rehospitalization following acute exacerbations

The implementation of a post-acute exacerbation COPD clinic reduced hospital readmissions, according to a poster presented at the CHEST Annual Meeting. Read more.

COPD hospitalizations have risen by nearly 70% since 2002 in Canada

The crude rate of hospitalizations for COPD in Canada increased by nearly 70% in 2017 compared with 2002, according to results published in CMAJ. Read more.

Acetazolamide lowers prevalence of altitude-related adverse health effects in COPD

Acetazolamide taken during stays in high-altitude areas decreases the chances for altitude-related adverse health effects among patients with COPD, according to a European Respiratory Society International Congress presentation. Read more.

References:

• Lung Association launches ‘COPD for Life’ to enhance lives of people living with long-term COPD. https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/lung-association-launches-‘copd-for-life’-to-enhan. Published Nov. 8, 2023. Accessed Nov. 17, 2023.
• The COPD Foundation launches COPD Awareness Month in November. https://www.copdfoundation.org/About-Us/Press-Room/Press-Releases/Article/1905/The-COPD-Foundation-Launches-COPD-Awareness-Month-in-November.aspx. Published Nov. 1, 2023. Accessed Nov. 17, 2023.